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Influence of the menstrual cycle on systemic diseases
K A Boggess1, H O Williamson, R J Homm
1Department of Endocrinology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston.
Obstetrics and Gynecology Clinics of North America
|June 1, 1990
Summary
Menstrual cycle hormonal fluctuations can worsen or improve certain medical conditions, including asthma and epilepsy. Targeted hormonal treatments may offer therapeutic benefits for affected patients.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive endocrinology
- Clinical medicine
- Disease pathophysiology
Background:
- The menstrual cycle involves significant physiological and hormonal shifts.
- These cyclical changes are known to impact various bodily systems.
- Pre-existing conditions may exhibit altered clinical courses during different menstrual phases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the influence of menstrual cycle-related physiological changes on the clinical presentation of specific diseases.
- To explore the potential therapeutic role of hormonal manipulation in managing these conditions.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on hormonal influences in disease exacerbation.
- Analysis of clinical case studies and observational data.
- Correlation of disease symptom severity with menstrual cycle phases.
Main Results:
- Physiological changes during the menstrual cycle demonstrably affect the clinical course of conditions including bronchial asthma, allergies, anaphylaxis, epilepsy, migraine, dermatoses, and porphyria.
- Hormonal fluctuations correlate with symptom variability in these diseases.
- Evidence suggests a positive response to hormonal manipulation in a subset of patients.
Conclusions:
- Menstrual cycle-dependent physiological alterations are a significant factor in the management of several chronic and episodic diseases.
- Hormonal therapies represent a viable and potentially beneficial treatment strategy for specific patient populations experiencing menstrual cycle-related disease fluctuations.